Multi-purpose storage compartment

Abstract

A vehicle dash panel storage compartment includes a storage bin disposed within the dash panel and a top-mounted storage bin closure. The storage bin closure is configured to translate between a deployed position covering the storage bin and a stowed position. A deployable tray is disposed within the storage bin, configured for translation between a stowed position and a plurality of deployed positions substantially parallel to a plane defined by a vehicle x-axis. In the deployed position, the deployable tray divides the storage bin into two vertically stacked sections.

What is claimed: 
     
       1. A dash panel storage compartment for a vehicle, comprising:
 a storage bin disposed within the dash panel; and 
 a top-mounted storage bin closure adapted for pivoting about an axis and sliding between a deployed and a stowed configuration. 
 
     
     
       2. The dash panel storage compartment of  claim 1 , wherein the storage bin closure is a panel configured to translate between a deployed position covering the storage bin and a stowed position. 
     
     
       3. The dash panel storage compartment of  claim 2 , further including a deployable tray disposed within the storage bin. 
     
     
       4. The dash panel storage compartment of  claim 3 , wherein the deployable tray is configured for translation between a stowed position and a plurality of deployed positions substantially parallel to a plane defined by a vehicle x axis. 
     
     
       5. The dash panel storage compartment of  claim 4 , wherein the plurality of deployed positions includes a configuration wherein at least a portion of the deployable tray is held below the deployed storage bin closure. 
     
     
       6. A vehicle including the dash panel storage compartment of  claim 1 . 
     
     
       7. A dash panel for a vehicle, comprising:
 a housing; and 
 a dash panel storage compartment comprising a storage bin disposed within the housing and a top-mounted storage bin closure adapted for pivoting about an axis and sliding between a deployed and a stowed configuration. 
 
     
     
       8. The dash panel of  claim 7 , wherein the storage bin closure is a panel configured to translate between a deployed position covering the storage bin and a stowed position. 
     
     
       9. The dash panel of  claim 8 , further including a deployable tray disposed within the storage bin. 
     
     
       10. The dash panel of  claim 9 , wherein the deployable tray is disposed for translation between a stowed position and a plurality of deployed positions substantially parallel to a plane defined by a vehicle x axis. 
     
     
       11. The dash panel of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of deployed positions includes a configuration wherein at least a portion of the deployable tray is held below the deployed storage bin closure. 
     
     
       12. A vehicle including the dash panel of  claim 7 . 
     
     
       13. A dash panel for a vehicle, comprising:
 a housing; and 
 a dash panel storage compartment comprising:
 a storage bin disposed within the housing; 
 a deployable tray disposed within the storage bin; and 
 a top-mounted storage bin closure adapted for pivoting about an axis and sliding between a deployed and a stowed configuration. 
 
 
     
     
       14. The dash panel of  claim 13 , wherein the storage bin closure is a panel configured to translate between a deployed position covering the storage bin and a stowed position. 
     
     
       15. The dash panel of  claim 14 , further including a deployable tray disposed within the storage bin. 
     
     
       16. The dash panel of  claim 15 , wherein the deployable tray is disposed for translation between a stowed position and a plurality of deployed positions substantially parallel to a plane defined by a vehicle x axis. 
     
     
       17. The dash panel of  claim 16 , wherein the plurality of deployed positions includes a configuration wherein at least a portion of the deployable tray is held below the deployed storage bin closure. 
     
     
       18. A vehicle including the dash panel of  claim 13 .